Page 45 - Microsoft Word - My story of Pathyil Kalluvelil as told by Joseph Pathyil

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was to have a large family.

Almost all her daughters-in-law lived with her when newly married and at various times.
All of them attest that Naithy was a wonderful mother-n-law. She cared for them as much
as her own children, in fact, she gave them rest and relief, taking on additional
responsibilities on herself. She also taught them the fine art of cooking. All of them have
nothing but admiration for Naithy.

Several of her grandchildren lived at various times in Kalluvelil. It was a site to see four
or five youngsters - children and grandchildren playing and fighting and studying and
making trouble together. Naithy enjoyed her grandchildren, but complained of their
mischief. In spite of their numbers, she had solicitude for each of them separately. And
the grandchildren, in their turn, visited her regularly.

Naithy’s mother had been widowed soon after the marriage of her second daughter.
Chathyamma lived for almost half a century after her husband’s death. Apart from Joseph
- Chathyamma’s eldest son - her closest confidante was Naithy. They were more than
mother and daughter; they were friends. Chathyamma would visit her eldest daughter
occasionally, and stay with her for extended periods of time, especially in times of need.
The two would work in unison, whisper sweet nothings to each other, chew beetle
together, and reminisce and plan, and worry. Chathyamma was a source of great solace to
Naithy. When Naithy seemed frazzled, her mother would admonish the grandchildren to
be considerate towards her. When there were major disputes, Abraham readily and
respectfully listened to his mother-in-law.

Naithy’s siblings called her “Kocheduthy”. She arranged the marriages of some of them,
helped in others, and had a ready ear for their troubles. Naithy’s sisters loved to visit her.
But since they all had their own large families to look after, these visits were short. But
those were quality times. Elyamma, who later was to marry Vettickal Kuttan, was single
for a long time. She came to help out in Kalluvelil and took over the household chores on
occasions. Achukutty, her youngest sister, was married to Malayil Thommy. Whenever
Naithy could, she would visit her. As Achukutty lived in less comfort, Naithy went out of
her way to help. Once when she volunteered to lend her jewellery to Achukutty, Abraham
who had vetoed it, was so annoyed that he slapped her. Perhaps that was the second and
last time that Abraham would physically abuse his wife.

Naithy’s three brothers were affectionate and considerate. Lukose visited his eldest sister
quite frequently and unexpectedly. The youngest - Mathai Kunju- was an occasional
visitor, and in times of need. But it was Kunjeppu whose visit Naithy looked forward to
with great anticipation. Being the eldest of the maternal uncles, he had certain privileges,
especially on occasions such as marriages, about which he was an expert, and jealously
adhered to the norms and traditions . No one dare impinge on his rights. Many were the
times when the exigencies of the moment required deliberate or accidental breaking of
the code, and Naithy had to intervene to smoothen ruffled feathers. But Kunjeppu was a
solemn person. His sister enjoyed his company, and made sure that he was most
comfortable..

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